Picking out a tablet - Help needed

[RedMileDJ]

I'm leaving on a trip to Chicago next week. I'd like to keep in touch with family and friends via Facebook, e-mail and also check CP and other news sites. Basically looking for something functional to use, and also play with.

I have no idea where to start, when it comes to picking out a tablet.

But I will say this: I don't want an iPad. I despise Apple. I currently have an HTC Desire HD (Android), and I love the Android platform.

I'm looking for suggestions for an Android platform (Gmail, Google Docs, etc) tablet. Something simple, good battery life, etc. Something that can maybe sync with my current Android and use Facebook, Twitter and browse websites. Wifi is a must.

Does anyone have any suggestions of models I should look at?

If there is a thread on this topic already, please direct me to it. I didn't see anything in my search.

Thanks!

edit: I should add: I don't want to use my current Android, as I want something a bit bigger, without going to a full laptop design.

[Max Cow Disease]

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=118620

This thing's all the rage right now. I just swiped one myself, and I'd submit that it's imperative you do so as well. Functional, fast, fun to play with, will do all that you've mentioned, and is NOT an iPad (most definitively in price).

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by Max Cow Disease

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=118620

This thing's all the rage right now. I just swiped one myself, and I'd submit that it's imperative you do so as well. Functional, fast, fun to play with, will do all that you've mentioned, and is NOT an iPad (most definitively in price).

Is this the one made by Acer? I'm trying to find it on the Best Buy and Future Shop websites.

[silentsim]

Find a good deal on a Touchpad and install Android on it :P

[Max Cow Disease]

Originally Posted by Red-Mile-DJ

Is this the one made by Acer? I'm trying to find it on the Best Buy and Future Shop websites.

The actual manufacturer is Asus, but it will show up on those sites under "Nexus 7" or "Google Nexus 7". They've been tough to get ahold of, but supposedly a few of the Futureshops have them back in stock now.

[opendoor]

I don't think you can go wrong with a Nexus 7, if you can find one. By the sounds of it Google is selling them at or below cost in order to get a stronger share in the tablet market so you're getting a level of quality and technology that you'd normally pay a fair bit more for.

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by Max Cow Disease

The actual manufacturer is Asus, but it will show up on those sites under "Nexus 7" or "Google Nexus 7". They've been tough to get ahold of, but supposedly a few of the Futureshops have them back in stock now.

Yah...I don't see any showing on there. This is the 7" version that you bought, correct? I thought I read somewhere that 7" models were being abandoned and it was better to go for the 10".

Either way, seems like a 10" is the way to go, if I wanted something significantly bigger than my current Android phone.

[RedMileDJ]

I see it now. Looks like the 7" tablet is what you're talking about.

All I see are 16GB version. No 8GB. Looks like the 8GB versions are the ones they are selling for like $200. http://www.google.com/nexus/#/7

Looks like the new Memory Express on 32nd ave has some. I think I'll go check 'em out.

[MRCboicgy]

I love my Asus Transformers - they are rock solid hardware and the optional dock/keyboard rocks. Here's the latest model that I am ogling.
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX41220

[Max Cow Disease]

Originally Posted by Red-Mile-DJ

Yah...I don't see any showing on there. This is the 7" version that you bought, correct? I thought I read somewhere that 7" models were being abandoned and it was better to go for the 10".

Either way, seems like a 10" is the way to go, if I wanted something significantly bigger than my current Android phone.

I find it to be a good compromise between size and ease of use/weight, etc. Check one out; I've yet to come across anyone who doesn't eagerly recommend them.

[RedMileDJ]

I know I already mentioned that I was picking one up tomorrow (from Memory Express - they still have a few), but is there any specific reason why I shouldn't maybe look at the Samsung Galaxy 7" tablet?

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...0ff51f3e0aen02

All I can tell is that it comes in at a lower cost, and it has EXPANDABLE storage which is something that peaks my interest in it.

Thoughts?

[opendoor]

The Nexus is better hardware. It has a better display (in terms of both resolution and quality) and more horsepower so it'll be more responsive. That said, it is missing a couple of features like an SD slot and a rear camera that the 7" Tab has so if those are important to you it's something to consider.

For me though, speed and display quality are the two biggest factors in a tablet so I'd weight those much more than secondary things like expandable storage or a 2nd camera.

[DoubleK]

I looked long and hard at the Samsung tablet before going with the Nexus. Taking pictures with a tablet is pretty awkward, so a rear camera is pretty useless.

I do think that having removable storage would be handy,but you can work around it with cloud storage.

Definitely recommend the Nexus.

[Anduril]

Likewise, the Nexus is the way to go since it has serious advantages in both hardware and software. Sure the 16GB might be hard to live with time to time but you'll manage.

Very well worth the price.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

I looked long and hard at the Samsung tablet before going with the Nexus. Taking pictures with a tablet is pretty awkward, so a rear camera is pretty useless.

I do think that having removable storage would be handy,but you can work around it with cloud storage.

Definitely recommend the Nexus.

I just finished setting up some of my Google storage this morning. I think I'll be fine. The camera doesn't bother me at all. That's why I have a phone with a camera...and a digital camera.

Originally Posted by Anduril

Likewise, the Nexus is the way to go since it has serious advantages in both hardware and software. Sure the 16GB might be hard to live with time to time but you'll manage.

Very well worth the price.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

I'm heading out the door to go grab mine in the next hour or so. I appreciate all the feedback from everyone!

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by Red-Mile-DJ

I just finished setting up some of my Google storage this morning. I think I'll be fine. The camera doesn't bother me at all. That's why I have a phone with a camera...and a digital camera.




I'm heading out the door to go grab mine in the next hour or so. I appreciate all the feedback from everyone!

For the record, should consider TabletTalk to sync your text messages from your phone to the Nexus instantly over bluetooth/wifi.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by Anduril

For the record, should consider TabletTalk to sync your text messages from your phone to the Nexus instantly over bluetooth/wifi.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

Sweet, I'll check that out.

Posting from my Nexus now! This thing is awesome!

[AR_Six]

So far the best apps I've found for this are Mint and Watchthenews.

[Max Cow Disease]

How does one set up the Google cloud storage?

[Hanni]

Originally Posted by Max Cow Disease

How does one set up the Google cloud storage?

You mean Google drive? http://drive.google.com

and on the Play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...BzLmRvY3MiXQ..